166% more fgn tourists this yr than last: Min

PANAJI: Union tourism minister G Kishan Reddy on Tuesday said in a G20 meeting in Goa that the arrivals of foreign tourists in India surged 166% in the first four months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. At the inaugural function of the 4th G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Goa, Reddy said, "After Covid, foreign tourists' arrivals have increased. This year, India is expected to recover its inbound travel figures to the pre-pandemic level."
Reddy added, "As you are aware, tourism is one of the most prominent sectors of the global economy, holding vital influence on all sectors of society." He said a visit to India will be incomplete without experiencing the beauty, richness, greatness, and importance of the country's spiritual strength and diversity.
India is the mother of democracy and the mother of spiritual centres,” Reddy said. “Since ancient times, travelling to India was an avenue for finding oneself. India was always the preferred destination among travellers.” Reddy said his ministry intends to develop India’s tourism sector on the mission mode.
“I am happy to inform you about the launch of the G20 tourism and sustainable development goals dashboard,” he said. “A legacy has been created and the dashboard will promote principles, initiatives, and the best practices of the G20 countries and guest countries.” Ajay Bhatt, the Union minister of state for tourism and defence, said that India is a major destination for spiritual and heritage tourism.
“The ministry of tourism lays great emphasis on promoting sustainability through various projects and initiatives, thereby championing sustainable tourism along the entire value chain,” Bhatt said. “The goal is to ensure the optimal utilisation of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development.
” Bhatt said the global antiplastic initiative brings the travel industry stakeholders together in the drive to eradicate plastic pollution at source. Union minister of state for tourism Shripad Naik said that Goa has positioned itself as a global hub for adventure activities. “Moreover, the Goa roadmap shall be a guiding tool for the creation of a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism sector,” Naik said